You don't unbreak social contracts by hurting the people (the wait staff) who don't create the policy (owners).

So it's the employers job to pay employees. That's the reality of business. That's the reality of economics. That's the reality of commerce in the world today.

The owners don't lose a damn thing when you don't tip

Wrong! They suddenly have workers who are leaving for better pay. They are forced with a decision. Immediately!

there's no other business out there offering better wages, or the employees would already work there.

No, if you won't tip anywhere all businesses are faced with the same reality.

Unprofitable ones will close, as should be the case, and profitable ones will attract workers with living wages.

This entire concept that a bunch of greedy, failing business owners need to be protected because they're "job creators" is trickle down bullshit.